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Diaphragm & Cap

What am I?

Diaphragms and caps are discs or small domes made of thin, soft silicone or latex.1 They work by covering the cervix and blocking sperm from reaching the egg – thereby preventing fertilisation1

Effectiveness2

Perfect useTypical use
92-96%71-88%
  • Barrier methods only need to be used when you want to have sex
  • The diaphragm and cap allow you to manage your own birth control without reliance on a partner
illustration of a woman making a heart with their hands and smiling
illustration of a woman making a heart with their hands and smiling
  • You may need to change the size of your diaphragm/cap if you gain or lose weight, have a baby, miscarriage or abortion3
  • You must also use spermicide3
  • The diaphragm and cap need to be left in place for 6 hours after sex3
  • The diaphragm and cap don’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)1

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References

  1. NHS. What are diaphragms or caps? Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/contraceptive-diaphragm-or-cap/what-is-it/ Last accessed May 2025

  2. NHS Great Western Hospitals. Contraception: Diaphragm. Available at: https://www.gwh.nhs.uk/wards-and-services/sexual-health/contraception/diaphragm/ Last accessed May 2025

  3. NHS. How to use diaphragms or caps. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/contraceptive-diaphragm-or-cap/how-to-use-it/ Last accessed May 2025

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